Uva Ursi contains chemicals, primarily hydroquinone and hydroquinone derivatives, that make it potentially useful for urinary conditions and is used to treat infections such as cystitis, urethritis and nephritis. The hydroquinone derivative, arbutin, is the chief active compound in Uva Ursi. It is absorbed in the stomach and converted into a substance with antimicrobial, astringent, and disinfectant properties.